If you've installed the macOS Monterey public beta and now prefer the stability of macOS Big Sur, you have several proven options. The best method depends on your installation approach and backups.
Options include: waiting for the next stable update, restoring from a Time Machine backup, erasing a separate beta partition, or performing a fresh Big Sur installation.
The process is straightforward if you backed up via Time Machine beforehand or installed the beta on a separate partition using Disk Utility. Without a backup on your main drive, you'll need to reinstall from scratch—but it's still manageable.
We'll walk you through each method step-by-step, drawing from years of hands-on Mac support experience. Select the one that fits your situation.
Note: Steps may vary slightly for Intel-based Macs versus Apple silicon (like M1/M2). Check your processor by clicking the Apple menu > About This Mac.
Wait for the Next Stable Update
If you're not in a hurry, unenroll from the beta program. The next stable update will automatically revert you to Big Sur.
- Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
- Click Details... below the beta enrollment message.
- Select Restore Default Settings to unenroll.
Restore from a Time Machine Backup
A pre-beta Time Machine backup makes rollback simple and preserves your data.
- Back up any new files from the beta first (if needed).
- Connect your Time Machine drive.
- For Intel Macs: Restart and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears, entering macOS Recovery.
- For Apple silicon: Shut down, hold power button until Startup Options appear, select gear icon > Continue.
- In Recovery, select your drive > Restore from Time Machine Backup.
Image: Apple
- Choose the backup showing macOS 11 (Big Sur), not 12 (Monterey).
- Follow prompts; your Mac will revert exactly as before.
Erase a Separate Monterey Beta Partition
If the beta is on its own partition, delete it to free space and boot back to Big Sur.
- For Intel: Restart holding Command + R.
- For Apple silicon: Hold power button > Startup Options > gear > Continue.
- In Recovery, open Disk Utility and select the beta partition (check for macOS 12).
- Don't select the Big Sur partition (macOS 11).
- Click Erase > confirm. Avoid Erase Volume Group.
- To fully remove: Select partition again, set Format to Volume, click minus (-) icon.
- Restart via Apple menu.
Fresh Install of macOS Big Sur
No backup? Reinstall Big Sur cleanly—ideal for a fresh start, though you'll reinstall apps.
- Intel: Restart holding Command + R.
- Apple silicon: Hold power > Startup Options > gear > Continue.
- Select drive > Reinstall macOS (it'll fetch Big Sur).
- Follow setup; this resets to factory state.
